216 
AN EXPLORATION. 
of my old stock. They go together quite respectably. 
Godfrey and myself will go with them on foot, follow¬ 
ing the first sledge on Thursday. 
“April 26, Wednesday.—McGary went yesterday 
with the leading sledge; and, as Brooks is still on his 
back in consequence of the amputation, I leave Ohlsen 
in charge of the brig. He has my instructions in full: 
among them I have dwelt largely upon the treatment 
of the natives. 
“ These Esquimaux must be watched carefully, at 
the same time that they are to be dealt with kindly, 
though with a strict enforcement of our police-regula¬ 
tions and some caution as to the freedom with which 
they may come on board. No punishments must be 
permitted, either of them or in their presence, and no 
resort to fire-arms unless to repel a serious attack. 1 
have given orders, however, that if the contingency 
does occur there shall be no firing over head. The 
prestige of the gun with a savage is in his notion of 
its infallibility. You may spare bloodshed by killing 
a dog or even wounding him; but in no event should 
you throw away your ball. It is neither politic nor 
humane. 
“ Our stowage-precautions are all arranged, to meet 
the chance of the ice breaking up while I am away; 
and a boat is placed ashore with stores, as the brig 
may be forced from her moorings. 
“ The worst thought I have now in setting out is, 
that of the entire crew I can leave but two behind in 
able condition, and the doctor and Bonsall are the only 
